Dez Bryant and Brandon Carr joined the list of current players to criticize the controversial new helmet rule adopted at the recent league meetings.

Players aren't allowed to lower their heads to initiate contact outside the tackle box. Speaking Saturday at a “Men Against Abuse” rally in Dallas, Bryant wondered if fans will accept the potential of penalty-filled games.

Dez Bryant says NFL fans will stop watching the game if rules—like the new "helmet rule"—get in the way of the in-field product. (AP Photo)

“Truth be told, I’m not trying to run nobody over,” Bryant told The Dallas Morning News. “I’m really just trying to make them miss, trying to score every time I touch the ball. But they keep making these rules, people aren’t going to want to watch football any more. I don’t think that rule is going to last long. There’s going to be so many penalties in this league. Too many guys getting fined. It’s hard for somebody to pay attention to trying to not to use their helmet.”

Bryant displayed admirable toughness last season by risking long-term damage playing with a broken finger. Head trauma, however, is a hypersensitive issue in the NFL with the potential of class-action litigation on the horizon.

Carr suggests the league is over-reacting.

“Are they going to call it?” Carr told SportsDay DFW. “I think they’re trying too hard on that topic. It’s one thing to improve safety but it can’t just challenge the integrity of the game.

"I don’t see too many running backs out there running with their heads down intentionally trying to spear you or anything with their helmet. Most running backs lower their shoulder anyway. You’re taught to lower the shoulder and bring the boom.”